Operational Procedures
Pre-flight and departure
Understand the sequence of checks, the take-off decision point concept, and the briefing requirements for a confined area or elevated site. Know the difference between a clear area and a confined area and the reconnaissance requirements for each. Learn standard departure and approach profiles: vertical, running, and climbing transitions.
En route and arrival
Know fuel management policy, alternates, and the meaning of commitment point. For offshore or remote operations, understand the role of the rear crew, the passenger briefing, and emergency egress.
Traps
Common distractors involve the order of actions in an emergency (aviate, navigate, communicate), and confusing the operations manual with the company exposition. Another trap is the assumption that a hover check is optional - it is required before committing to a confined area.
Worked example
Approaching a confined area, the crew conducts a high reconnaissance, then a low reconnaissance, then a hover check before landing. Rule of thumb: reconnaissance answers 'can I get in?', the hover check answers 'can I get out?' If the go-around path is not confirmed, do not commit.